England fans' chants in Germany condemned by Football Supporters' Federation

England manager Gareth Southgate claimed not to hear the chants in question: Getty

The Football Supporters' Federation has condemned the vile chants sung by some England fans during Wednesday night's international with Germany.

England's 1-0 defeat in Dortmund was marred by supporters who booed the German national anthem and then sang distasteful songs referencing the First and Second World Wars.

The match, which was settled by Lukas Podolski's second-half goal, went ahead just hours after the Westminster terror attack.

And although It was a night of promise for a young Three Lions side on the field, off it the actions of some fans in the away end left a black mark against England's name.

An FSF spokesperson said: “Over the last 20 years English football fans have built a worldwide reputation for our passionate support and the vocal backing we give to our teams.

“Unfortunately, little of the wit and imagination that goes into our club football songs is reflected at England games.

“England's travelling support is made of people of all ages from a range of clubs, many of whom have worked hard in recent years to improve our standing abroad and have expressed concern to us about these chants.

“We don't want to regress to a situation where that reputation is tarnished by the actions of a minority.”

An England fan in Dortmund called on the Football Association to take action in a bid to cut out obscene chanting.

The fan, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Press Association: “The FA has to start being much more proactive on this stuff, it's been getting worse over the last couple of years.

“It's all well and good issuing banning orders for being drunk at a game back home, but there are some seriously disgusting people that are still allowed to associate themselves with the travelling fan base.”

England manager Gareth Southgate was asked about the songs in the post-match press conference, and urged the travelling fans to support their side in the right way.

“To be honest, I didn't hear what was said but it has been mentioned to me,” he said. “Obviously our travelling support in terms of number and the way they back the team is brilliant.